Trailer Suspension Equalizer Link Action

There are many different sizes and shapes of the suspension equalizer link.  What are they for?  Better yet, when should I choose one shape over another?

If you’ve read much on this website, then you know we are strong proponents of having multiple axles share the load – not overloading one or another.  An Equalizer link helps for leaf springs.  But, which one?  There is a short article on eTrailer that gives a taste of various equalizers, but not much detail.

Tradition puts the various shapes in certain industries, but we don’t really know why.  Some of the “lore” doesn’t make a ton of sense.  Anyway, I’m sure they had great reasons, and we’d all say “Oh, yeah“, if we knew.  But, I diverge.  Let’s look at some engineering, kinematics and other interesting info.

The Suspension Equalizer Link

Let’s start basic.  What are we even talking about when we say “Suspension Equalizer Link”?

Equalizer Bar for Tandem Axles
Leaf spring trailer suspension with an equalizer link between the springs.

Semantics:  Sometimes it’s called a “Link”, sometimes a “Bar”, sometimes a “Rocker”, or just “Equalizer”.  Sometimes other names, but it’s all the same.

We’ve talked previously about the need to “share load” between axles.  The article describing what happens if you don’t share, gets to the crux.  Anyway, the suspension equalizer is the rocking link connecting the leaf springs.  It allows the axles to share the load as the trailer goes over bumps and through dips.

If your browser displays it, this animation shows linkage movement as a tandem axle pair goes over a bump.  You can see the linkage action, and especially the equalizer link.

Suspension Motion

As you can see, the suspension equalizer link rocks as the axles articulate over a bump.  This link allows the axles to share the load even as one, then the other, rise.  See this axle article for when axles don’t share.  Or, try this article about making air suspensions share properly.

The shape in the image is a typical link we commonly see.  Now let’s look at some other shapes.

Equalizer Shapes

Leaf Spring LinksThere are a bunch of different equalizer shapes.  The gray image of small parts here shows a few.  (Image from Harsco Trailer, China.)

While there are many more shapes than shown, typically for tandem axles, there are 3 common shapes.  See the color image of the 3 equalizers.

Of note, these are suspension equalizer links for trailers with double eye springs.  Slipper style springs use a different kind.  While they are similar in function, the look and shape is quite different.  They are not in this article.

Triple axles need one with a different style, like the 2 in the gray image, upper right.  They function similar, but attach directly to the front of the center axle spring, instead of a shackle.  That helps with center axle stability.

Various Shapes

This image shows 3 common styles of suspension equalizer link.  While the left one is pretty standard, the outside shape will vary.  The middle one is similar, but taller, and as we’ll see below, that makes a difference.  Finally, the straight one has 3 holes inline.

Equalizer Link StackLook at the relationship of the holes to one another.  That’s easiest to do when we superimpose them atop each other.  Now look at the relationship of the holes.  (These 3 are for the same axle spacing.  Many configurations exist for length and height for differing applications.)

This stack also shows the links in a relative position where they function on a trailer.  Note the height of the center pivot hole.  The Tall one needs a short center bracket.  The Straight one needs a long center bracket.  (Here’s what can happen if the brackets are not tall enough.)  We’ll look at this more below.

Why the different shapes?  What do they mean?  I’ve heard some explanations, but I can’t make the reasons match the physics.  Anyway, let’s look at how they work.

Do The Shapes Perform Different?

If you take a global look at these, they all do the same thing, they’re just taller or shorter.  However, in physics, that kind of thing matters.  So, let’s look at how they appear in action on a trailer.

Images on the LEFT are with the trailer on flat ground.  For images on the RIGHT, note the bump under the one wheel.  In these models, the equalizer links are at full stroke.

Suspension Equalizer Link Action

Now let’s look a little closer.  The analysis images below are the same as those on the RIGHT above, but larger, and include some PINK highlights to talk about.

Again, I’ll to point out that we don’t know the real reasons for these shapes.  I’ve heard many things, some contradict.  The info below is an educated analysis, but is by no means definitive.

For this eval, the bump and the shackles (blue) stay the same size.  (See notes about practical changes below.)

Starting the Analysis

The image shows the start condition for all 3 equalizer links.  The transparent area in the center shows the links (PINK arrow).  You can sort of see the differing center bracket lengths there too.  The center bracket changes for each equalizer in this analysis, so at the start of action, the springs are horizontal — eye to eye.  (PINK line.)


Starting With The Tall Triangle:

Tall Link

With this tall suspension equalizer link, the the bump is too big, because this trailer can’t get there keeping both wheels on the ground.  Note the interference of the tire and the bump in the PINK circle.  Also, the space still available between the shackle and the trailer frame (small PINK circle).

Here the suspension becomes constrained because the line of action (PINK line) comes in line with the blue shackle link.  That is as far as the equalizer can rotate clockwise.

In practice, you’d use longer shackles, and you’d balance the height of the center hanger bracket (attached to the frame).  For illustration, the shackles are the same for all the links so you can see why it needs longer parts.

If these are not set up properly, over a large bump, the RIGHT axle can drop below the PINK line of action, and the blue shackle will end up under the equalizer link.  That causes more problems.  Anyway, it’s a good reminder that we must set things up right, so it will work right.

Customer Note:

“Hi. I have a 3 year old Big Tex dump trailer and I have been having an issue of the axle spring shackles shifting and flipping the wrong way.  I’m not doing any thing bad like over loading it.  I know to other people who own the same type and have the same issues.  I’m wondering if you sell something to help prevent this . . . . thanks.”

This style of suspension equalizer link is lower to the ground, and as it rocks, it biases the load far more to the front wheel.  While it can work with longer parts, it does not balance the load as well as the others.  The only advantage I see is the lifting wheel moves more rapidly than the descending wheel.  That might help with inertia and make the ride a tiny bit smoother?

I’d sure like to know if there are advantages with these that I’m not seeing.  Please let us all know in the comments if you have more info.


Now The Straight Link

Straight Link

The straight link is a little longer eye to eye than the others.  You can see that it needs to be, or (looking at the PINK lines), if they become straight, the suspension constrains.  The center spring hanger bracket is quite tall, because the pivot point of the equalizer must be low for the movement.  And, as the equalizer link gets longer, the center bracket must get taller.

The nice thing is you can get a lot of suspension travel with one of these.  That said, the angle of pivot is greatest with the straight link at the bump height shown.

The long center bracket (PINK circle) must be well supported to be stiff enough.  A long, unsupported bracket will make the suspension sway side to side, and sometimes, they will bend right over.  That’s very bad.

This suspension equalizer link gives the best load equalizing because the forces remain the same on both ends.  There is not a load bias as with the “triangle pivots”.  This will contribute to longer equipment life, and less “bucking” from the trailer.  I wonder if that’s why we see these on horse trailers more?


The Medium Triangle

Suspension Equalizer Link

This style is by far the most common.  The action is somewhere between the straight and the tall triangle.  It does a reasonable job of load sharing, though at the extreme, the lifted wheel will carry more than the rear.

In the configuration shown, it achieves the desired wheel lift without approaching suspension constraints.  The rising wheel does move up more, than the other one moves down (with respect to the frame).

This link seems to make a good balance of requirements — maybe that’s why it’s so popular?  It does not share the load as well as the straight link, yet it does not require as much space for motion.  It can’t handle as much bump (unless it get’s large), but also doesn’t require a really tall center bracket.

We need to recognize that there is more than one geometry for these.  In essence, they are the same — a triangle — just not as tall as the one above.  There are many on the shelves that are similar, but different, so make sure you get one that meets your needs.  Check your suspension recommendations.  Often this will be a group of items sold as a kit, or as recommendations by an axle manufacturer for geometry for axle spacing.


Comparing Equalizers

From the perspective of true load sharing balance, the straight equalizer does the best job, but it requires a tall center pivot bracket.  See notes for stiffening below.

The typical triangular shape for equalizers helps make the center bracket shorter and therefore not as flimsy.  However, as illustrated in the above geometric layouts, as a triangle rocks front to back it pulls away from the spring.  So, if the suspension on one side of the trailer articulates and the other does not, then the axles become non-parallel.  Not by much, and it doesn’t really matter, but since we’re talking theory, it’s worth noting.

Looking at this simple analysis, one might conclude that the straight equalizer link has the most advantages.  I don’t think that’s wrong, but it’s worth noting that history favors the medium triangle.  There is some natural action bias in the kinematics, and that’s worth considering.  On the other hand, if the triangle get’s tall, the dynamic analysis starts to get ugly quick.  Making other links, like the shackles long to compensate for the triangle seems like a loosing proposition.

One point that comes very clear is the need for proper lengths and spacing.  Will all the suspension equalizer links, spacing — distance between brackets, distance between axles, etc., becomes really important.  Proper function relies on proper set up.

More Thoughts on Suspension Equalizer Links

Tall brackets tend to be a little wiggly under heavy loads unless strengthened (stiffened).  If you weld something inside to tie the two vertical legs together, then it’s easy to go with longer brackets.  Another trick is a piece of angle iron or c-channel extending across the trailer, welded to the spring brackets on both sides.  That supports the brackets also.

Broken EqualizerBrackets are not the only thing with stress.  While suspension forces seem straightforward, there is always more to it.  This is odd case highlights that.

What suspension link should you choose?  Look at the images above, then read again about the advantages.  Look at your trailer and what you wish to accomplish, then pick one.  Just make sure you also get the right parts and spacing for your situation.  If you support a tall bracket well, then you can use the straight equalizers.  On the other hand, most suspensions use the medium triangle as it is well proven.

The 2 things that stands out for me:  1.)  If you want a wider axle spacing, then the straight link will give the best load distribution.  You can use a long link, with a tall center bracket to do the job pretty easily.   2.)  If you need a lot of axle motion (big bumps), then use the straight link, but give the area plenty of space for linkage motion.

There are many variations with suspension in areas of the equalizer link.  Most notable are the rubber connections that add vibration damping.  We’ll do an article on those sometime in the future.  In the meantime, try this article on Critical thing to get Right when building a trailer.

Finally, this analysis completely ignores the effect of tires.  They play a big role, especially when the trailer bounces.  Good luck with your trailer projects.

MechanicalElements.com
Do It Yourself Plans – Build It Great!

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
7 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View All Comments

We Found These For You . . .

Article
Build and Offroad Trailer
A good question from some of our customers:  “I really want an offroad trailer, but I can’t seem to find the right trailer plans to build it.  Is it better to buy the “4′ x 6.5′ – 2500# – Off-Road…

Read The Article

Product
6'x12'-6000 lbs Trailer Blueprints

DIY Blueprints for a beefy 6 x 12 HD single axle Utility Trailer.  This is a heavy duty version of our 6' wide trailer that has a lot of options - including a 6000 lb or 7000 lb Axle capacity…

Article
20ft Deck Tiny House Foundation Trailer Plans
There’s an old song comparing the wise man and the foolish man.  It might just be talking about a tiny house foundation!  Goes something like this:

Read The Article

Article
Trailer Plans Download @ Mechanical Elements
At Mechanical Elements, we encourage customers to modify and customize the plans.  That’s how you build the perfect project.  So, what things can you customize?  And what shouldn’t?

Read The Article

Article
There's More To Just Mounting Trailer Axle Springs
As with many things, there’s a lot more to mounting trailer axle springs than first meets the eye.  Here are 2 tips to make your trailer frame stronger.

Read The Article

Article
Metal Working Files In Action
Often misused and not very well understood — so goes the life of many metalworking files.  Yet, they still do things other tools can’t.  That makes them a tool worth knowing!

Read The Article

Article
Building a Teardrop Camper
We see them around, on the highway heading for a weekend away.  They always look so cool and just beg you to find your own adventure.  Just a cute little teardrop camper set to take someone for a great vacation.

Read The Article

Product
6 ft x 14 ft Trailer Plans

Get your 6x16 Utility Trailer Plans here, then build your own 7000 lb. capacity tandem axle workhorse.  These plans include all the details and instructions.  Build it, and make it better than you can buy it.

Article
Spiraling the DIY Project Plans Back Online
January 7, 2016.  Mechanical Elements is back online with a new look, a new logo, new functionality, and a better shopping experience. — With — an expanded offering of the Same Great DIY Project Plans and so much more.

Read The Article

Article
Applied Force vs Movement With Shop Tools
Is there anything more annoying (painful and frustrating) than busting a knuckle when working on things in the shop?  To many of us, blood sacrifices are just part of getting a project done, but it doesn’t have to be that…

Read The Article